"The best thing about the UTC is the equipment and the opportunities; at other colleges you wouldn’t get the experience you get here and I wouldn’t know the things I now know."

Year 13 Creative and Digital student Bella has secured an apprenticeship in Events Management at the Showroom Cinema when she finishes her studies. Alongside Creative and Digital Industries, Bella is studying English A Level. Whilst considering her options after UTC, Bella had thought about both university and an apprenticeship, but came to the conclusion practical learning suited her better: ‘The reason I came to the UTC is because I thought it was better to go somewhere with a practical side, as it’s what I enjoy doing most. I also liked that the UTC was heavily involved with employers and universities and the opportunities which open up as a result.’

Bella’s apprenticeship will be made up of two parts: some general administration work; then managing different events the Showroom puts on. The latter will include setting up for events, being the front-of-house face and working on large events such as DocFest. She feels the UTC has prepared her for the world of work: ‘The UTC has prepared me really well for my apprenticeship; here, we work practically so I’ll be able to do the tasks I’m asked to do. We also work independently at the UTC and have the freedom to explore our ideas and be creative.’

Whilst at the UTC, Bella has had the chance to work on a number of employer projects including a games design unit with international games developer Sumo Digital and a TV and radio unit with Sheffield Live!. ‘I really enjoyed the TV and radio project. Initially we came up with a radio show and then we got to turn our ideas into a TV programme; ours was called Yorkshire Lasses. It’s really good to have a go at the whole process from start to finish; it was a great opportunity as our films were shown on Sheffield Live!.’

Bella continues, ‘The best thing about the UTC is the equipment and the opportunities; at other colleges you wouldn’t get the experience you get here and I wouldn’t know the things I now know.’

Bella will start her apprenticeship in summer 2016. The apprenticeship lasts a year and, once finished, she is considering continuing in events management at university.